Flu season is here, and knowing how to manage symptoms at home versus when to see a doctor can lead to a quicker recovery. With new tools like The Owl App and at-home flu tests, you can track your health and take action before symptoms worsen.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ Common flu symptoms and how long they last
✔️ Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments
✔️ When to seek medical care
✔️ New at-home flu test kits
✔️ How The Owl App helps track flu and COVID symptoms

Let’s dive in!

Flu Symptoms and Recovery Time

The flu usually comes on quickly and can last 5 to 7 days, with lingering tiredness for up to two weeks. Common flu symptoms include:

✔️ Fever or chills
✔️ Cough and sore throat
✔️ Runny or stuffy nose
✔️ Muscle aches and fatigue
✔️ Headaches
✔️ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in kids)

🔎 More on flu symptoms: CDC – Flu Symptoms & Complications

At-Home vs. Clinical Care: What You Can Do

Home Care & Over-the-Counter Relief

Most flu cases can be managed at home. Here’s what helps:

✅ Rest & Hydration – Sleep is key to recovery, and drinking plenty of fluids prevents dehydration.
✅ Fever & Pain Relief – Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can lower fever and ease body aches.
✅ Cough & Congestion Relief – Over-the-counter cough syrups, lozenges, and steam inhalation can help.
✅ Home Remedies – Honey and ginger tea can soothe a sore throat, while warm broths can ease congestion.

🔎 More home remedies: Mayo Clinic – Flu Treatments at Home

When to See a Doctor

🚨 Seek medical attention if you experience:
⚠️ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
⚠️ Chest pain or pressure
⚠️ High fever that won’t go down with medication
⚠️ Severe dehydration (dizziness, confusion, no urination)
⚠️ Symptoms that get worse after getting better

For people at high risk (seniors, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic conditions), antiviral medications like Tamiflu may help if taken within 48 hours of symptoms.

🔎 More on when to see a doctor: WHO – Influenza

At-Home Flu Testing: Know Before You Go

Did you know you can test for the flu at home? New at-home flu test kits give quick results and can help you decide if you need treatment. Some even check for both flu and COVID-19 in one test.

🛒 Where to get at-home flu tests:

• Cue Health (cuehealth.com) – Rapid at-home flu + COVID testing
• Lucira Check-It (lucirahealth.com) – Single-use molecular test for flu and COVID

Testing at home lets you make informed decisions without unnecessary clinic visits.

Track Flu Symptoms & Vitals in The Owl App

The Know vs. Go strategy means tracking your symptoms to decide if you need medical care. With The Owl App, you can:

📊 Monitor vitals – Track temperature, oxygen levels, and heart rate
📝 Log symptoms – Spot trends in fever, fatigue, and cough severity
📍 Compare flu & COVID symptoms – Avoid confusion and take the right steps

By tracking your flu symptoms in The Owl App, you stay on top of your health and recover faster.

📲 Download The Owl App today and take control of your flu season!

Final Takeaway: Know Before You Go

✅ Track your flu symptoms daily using The Owl App
✅ Use home remedies and OTC medicine for symptom relief
✅ Take an at-home flu test to confirm if you have the flu
✅ See a doctor if symptoms worsen or if you’re in a high-risk group

Staying informed helps you manage flu season smarter—know when to rest at home and when to seek care. Stay healthy, and take care! 💙

🔎 More flu prevention tips: CDC – Flu Prevention